Pulitzer Prize-winner Dave Barry wrote a humor column for 22 years. In his new book Class Clown, he tells the story of the first 77 years of his life, spent embracing comedy – but also some difficulties. One focus of the book is his relationship with his parents. Barry writes that his mom was a kind of comedic mentor who possessed a uniquely dark, edgy wit, but also struggled with depression. And Barry's father was a Presbyterian minister and, he says, a famously good listener, but also developed alcoholism. In today's episode, the author joins NPR's Scott Simon for a conversation that touches on Barry's family, and also his concerns about new trends in the comedy industry.
To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
WSJ Minute Briefing - Biden is Diagnosed with Cancer Months After Leaving Office
Plus: Nvidia is working with Foxconn to build an AI supercomputer in Taiwan. And NJ Transit says rail operations will resume tomorrow, after reaching a tentative agreement with union leaders. Kate Bullivant hosts.
Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WSJ What’s News - Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer
A.M. Edition for May 19. Former President Joe Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his doctors, as representatives say the disease has spread to his bones. Plus, Israel says it will start allowing aid into Gaza for the first time in months, as the Israeli military expands its ground operation in the enclave. And Journal foreign correspondent Georgi Kantchev on what to expect from President Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin today after Russia unleashed a drone barrage on Ukraine. Azhar Sukri hosts.
Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Intelligence from The Economist - May-poll dance: Poland’s presidential race
Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor expected to win the first round cleanly only squeaked by. We ask what’s at stake in the NATO-front-line country now the second round looks so uncertain. In the new world of weight-loss drugs Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk, has reigned supreme—perhaps not for much longer (9:40). And people really do look—but also act—like their dogs (16:51).
Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Up First from NPR - Biden Cancer Diagnosis, Escalation In Gaza, Kentucky Storm Recovery
The diagnosis of prostate cancer for the former president comes just days ahead of the release of a book detailing questions about his mental fitness as president. Israel's military says troops are now operating in multiple points throughout Gaza strip, in an operation dubbed Gideon's Chariots. More than two dozen people are dead in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia after tornadoes and storms over the weekend.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kevin Drew, Carrie Kahn, Anna Yukhananov, Ally Schweitzer, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent and our technical director is Zac Coleman.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kevin Drew, Carrie Kahn, Anna Yukhananov, Ally Schweitzer, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent and our technical director is Zac Coleman.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
Marketplace All-in-One - Having a child in a digital economy
Having a baby in the era of apps, influencers, subreddits and Facebook groups, has its ups and downs.
Journalist Amanda Hess thought she knew all about it as an internet culture writer for the New York Times, but found herself surprised when she was the one expecting.
She writes about how pregnancy magnified her relationship with technology in a new memoir, “Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age.”
It begins, actually before conception — with the period-tracking app, Flo Health.
Headlines From The Times - Cassie’s Testimony, Delta Tunnel Fast-Track, Rising Prices, and a $34.5B Cable Merger
Cassie Ventura’s explosive testimony in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial alleges years of abuse and could prove central to the case. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom pushes to speed up a $20-billion water tunnel project through the Delta. Walmart, Mattel, and others say new tariffs are forcing price hikes that will hit consumers hard. And Charter announces a $34.5 billion deal to acquire Cox Communications, potentially reshaping the cable TV industry.
Start Here - President Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. An IVF clinic is car-bombed by what police call an “anti-natalist” terrorist. And a series of tornadoes leaves dozens dead in Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Start the Week - Mathematics, Symbiosis and Japanese art
In his new book, Blueprints, Marcus du Sautoy traces the connections between mathematics and art and the ways in which creatives use numbers to underpin their work – unconsciously or otherwise. From the earliest stone circles to the unique architecture of Zaha Hadid, du Sautoy shows us that there are blueprints everywhere and how logic and aesthetics are intrinsically intermingled.
Sophie Pavelle is also interested in connections and her forthcoming book, To Have or To Hold, explores symbiotic relationships in nature. Focusing on eight key examples, Sophie Pavelle explains how these mutually beneficial connections are crucial for the survival of our natural world and how they play an integral role in regulating ecosystems and strengthening resilience. She asks if we are capable of restoring and nurturing our environment or will we continue to exploit the Earth’s resources, till death do us part?
The British Museum’s new exhibition illuminates the captivating work of the nineteenth-century Japanese artist, Utagawa Hiroshige (from 1st May to 7th September 2025). He was fascinated by the natural world and many of his pictures take flora and fauna as their subject matter. Hiroshige was one of Japan’s most talented, prolific and popular artists and his influence was not only felt in his home country, but spread globally – influencing artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and contemporary artists such as Julian Opie. The curator of the exhibition, Alfred Haft, shines a light on the oeuvre of Hiroshige, his techniques and enduring legacy.
Producer: Natalia Fernandez
The Daily Detail - The Daily Detail for 5.19.25
Alabama
- Sen.Britt supports bill to limit US $ to groups supporting the PLO
- Gov. Ivey and state legislature honors Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson
- Senate ProTem Gudger talks about new rules following 2025 session
- State Rep. Dubose says lobbyists surprised her on religious instruction bill
- Huntsville man sentenced to prison for hacking SEC to promote Bitcoin sales
- Fairhope senior wins National Songwriting Challenge for 2nd year in a row
National
- Joe Biden's medical diagnosis made public: mestastic prostate cancer
- FBI calls a bombing of fertility clinic in CA a clear act of terror
- FBI Director says more evidence on "Crossfire Hurricane" to come out
- DC Appeals court lifts a block on Trump's EO regarding federal workers
- Trump says ABC is pushing fake news re:Qatar gifting the US with 747 jet